Chelsea chase is on for Robert Lewandowski as Bayern Munich miss out

Chelsea's chances of signing Robert Lewandowski increased today when Borussia Dortmund insisted their striker would not be joining Bayern Munich this summer.

It has been widely thought that Bayern would get the Poland striker, having already persuaded Mario Goetze to make the switch from their Bundesliga rivals.

But Dortmund’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “Robert Lewandowski will definitely not transfer to Bayern Munich in 2013. This is final. We have informed Robert and his advisors. The Bayern case is closed because there was no written offer.

“There were two phone calls in the past four weeks with Bayern. We told them that due to stock exchange rules, we need a written offer but until today, no offer has come in.

“If Robert wants to go to Munich he will have another chance next year.”

Crucially for Chelsea, though, Watzke did not rule out the prospect of Lewandowski leaving Dortmund for another club.

“I am not saying he will definitely stay but he will certainly not be playing for Bayern in 2013,” Watzke said. “Everything else will be discussed with Robert and his advisors in the coming days. Our wish is for Robert to play for Borussia Dortmund next season.”

Lewandowski’s stellar campaign — he scored 35 goals for Dortmund last term including four in a remarkable display against Real Madrid — added to interest in the 24-year-old.

Chelsea are among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the situation with Jose Mourinho targeting a new forward.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed last week Chelsea have contacted him about Edinson Cavani but the Italian club want £50million for the Uruguay striker.